Salman Rushdie Speaks Out on Censorship in America Today

Just two years after surviving a violent attack at a literary festival, acclaimed author Salman Rushdie has opened up about his views on censorship in America today. Speaking in his first major television interview since the 2022 incident, Rushdie highlighted the dangers of censorship coming from both the left and the right.

Rushdie expressed concern over a growing orthodoxy, particularly among young people, that supports censorship as a positive measure. He noted that the calls for censoring speech now come from diverse voices, including both conservative and progressive groups.

The author pointed out that while conservative voices were traditionally associated with calls to ban certain books, the trend is shifting, and progressive voices are now advocating for limits on free speech as well. Rushdie warned against the slippery slope of supporting censorship on behalf of vulnerable groups, emphasizing that such actions can have unintended consequences.

Censorship is not a new topic

Censorship is not a new topic for Rushdie, who faced a fatwa in 1989 issued by Iran’s leader Ayatollah Khomeini in response to his novel “The Satanic Verses.” Despite the challenges he has faced due to his writing, Rushdie continues to advocate for the importance of free expression.

The attack on Rushdie in 2022, where he was stabbed multiple times by a man who believed he had offended Islam, further reinforced his belief in the value of hearing diverse and potentially controversial voices. Rushdie emphasized that the suppression of speech can impact minority groups disproportionately and that offense has become intertwined with identity politics.

Throughout his career, Rushdie has remained committed to his role as a writer, expressing a desire for his work to be remembered beyond the threats to his life. Despite the challenges he has faced, Rushdie’s love for storytelling and the power of imagination continue to drive his writing.

As Salman Rushdie continues to navigate a world where censorship remains a contentious issue, his resilience and commitment to free expression serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting the freedom of speech.